Combination cervical collar and traction apparatus



June 15, 1965 H. E. BARNETT COMBINATION CERVICAL COLLAR AND TRACTION APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 19, 1962 H m mr 5 E I Y m Am Hj COMBINATION CERVICAL COLLAR AND TRACTION APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 19, 1962 R O T N E V m HARRY E. BARNETT BY JW gdd/ United States Patent 3,189,026 tIQMBlNATlON CERVICAL CGLLAR AND TRACTHON APPARATUS Harry E. Barnett, 6841 S. Constance, Chicago 49, Ill. Filed Mar. 19, 1962, fier. No. 180,433 Iii Claims. (Cl. 128-75) This invention relates generally to orthopedic corrective apparatuses and, more particularly, to apparatuses for use in the alleviation or correction of orthopedic conditions in the cervical spine or neck.

Cervical spine or neck conditions afilict increasing numbers of people each year, and the same may result from a variety of causes, such as congenital malformations, accidental injury, various forms of arthritis, degenerative conditions in the intervertebral' discs, and pathological conditions of the neck musculature. These conditions are frequently accompanied by extreme pain, often of a magnitude suflicient to incapacitate the afilicted person. Unfortunately, there is no known ready cure for most of these neck involvements. Instead, treatment normally is directed toward the alleviation of pain and support of the neck and head in a corrected position whereby the normal body healing processes may ultimately strengthen the affected anatomical members.

In general, the treatment of such neck conditions requires that the patient wear some form of cervical supporting and immobilizing collar and/or that the patient be placed in cervical traction. Due to the nature of the prior cervical collars, the patient was subjected to a great deal of discomfort in the wearing thereof. In addition, considerable monetary expense was entailed because the prior collars not only were relatively expensive themselves, but a second and completely different apparatus, including a halter was also required for traction purposes. I

Heretofore, the prior cervical collars comprised generally a bulky and heavy device made of a rigid material such as plastics, leather, metals, etc. Each collar had to be tailor made to properly fit the individual wearer thereof and to provide the proper corrective support required, viz-extension or fleXion of'the neck. The rigid and heavy nature of the collars resulted in considerable pressure against the skin, chafing, and perspiration, and these conditions were further complicated by the fact that the prior collars were not readily washable or otherwise cleanable. In fact, it was often necessary that a patient have more than one collar for hygienic purposes. .Moreover, the prior collars were often quite difficult to put on and remove. Since an afilicted person is often required to wear the collar continuously, often for many consecutive hours or days, he could not readily remove or replace the collar for purposes of eating, washing, momentary relief, etc.

As already indicated, numerous patients frequently require treatment with cervical traction in addition to wearing a cervical collar. This applies even to ambulatory patients who might wear a collar during the entire business day and then be placed in traction for a period of time at home in the evening. Since the application of traction requires a form of head halter, these patients were, of course, compelled to have this second type of apparatus. Quite obviously, the described rigid collars could not function as a head halter for traction purposes.

It is, therefore, an important object of this invention to provide a single combination apparatus which is able to function both as a cervical collar and as a traction halter; the invention thus replacing the two different types of apparatus heretofore required.

' Another important object of the invention is to afford a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus of the character described which is extremely light in weight, viZ.-only 2 to 3 ounces.

A further object is to provide a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus of the character described which is readily and completely washable or cleanable by any other suitable methods.

Still another object is to afford a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus of the character described which is extremely flexible and pliable so that the same may be fitted perfectly to the neck of the wearer thereof. The apparatus likewise may be perfectly fitted to the contour of the chin and head of the wearer when used as a traction halter.

Still a further object is to provide a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus of the character described which may be mass produced in two or three standardized sizes to fit all patients irrespective of size. A related object is to provide such an apparatus which is readily adjustable to perfectly fit the wearer thereof.

Yet another object is to afford a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus of the character. described which may be readily donned and removed in a matter of seconds. In this regard, the inventon employs fastening means which do not require the use of any auxiliary fastening devices, such as straps, belts, buckles, pins, hooks or the like. Moreover, the collar may be self applied without the help of another person, such as a nurse.

Even a further object is to atford a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus by means of which the patient may himself apply cervical traction without any adjustments before or after applying the same to the chin and nape of the neck. Furthermore, the wearer may, unaided, release the apparatus without any adjustments.

Still another object is to afford a collar of the type described in which the degree of support or firmness may be readily varied by merely varying the density of the principal material of construction.

Yet a further object is to provide a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus of the character described which affords either type of support required, viz-extension or flexion of the neck.

Another object is to afford a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus of the character described which is smaller and less noticeable than prior cervical collars so that the same may be worn with less embarrassment or self-consciousness.

A further object is to provide a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus of the character described which may be inexpensively fabricated and yet is most comfortable to the wearer and most efficient for the purposes intended.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, arrangement and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of my invention, I have illustrated in the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the follow- 1 ing description, my invention, its mode of construction,

assembly and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

Referring to the drawings in which the same charactersv of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several figures of the drawingsz FIG. 1 is a plan view of a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus embodying the principles of the invention and showing the same in the fully extended or open position;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the plane of line 2-2 in FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction indicated;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the apparatus in a partially closed position and illustrating the flexibility thereof;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view showing the apparatus in that operational position about the neck of a wearer which will induce fiexion of the neck;

FIG. 6 is a similar view showing the positioning of the apparatus to induce extension of the neck; and

FIG. 7 is a pictorial view showing the apparatus in use as a traction device operationally positioned about the chin and head of a wearer to afford a head halter for said purposes.

Referring now to the various figures of the drawings, the reference numeral 10 indicates generally a combination cervical collar and traction apparatus embodying the principles of the invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a pair of elongated bands or strips 12 and 14 which may be substantially rectangular in cross-section over the medial portions thereof (see FIG. 2). Each of the bands 12 and 14 comprises a hollow tube 16. The tubes 16 may be made of any suitable material which is light in weight, radially washable, durable and at least slightly stretchable in all directions, and for this purpose, I have found the textile fabric commonly known as stockinette to be ideally suited.

Nicely fitted within each of the tubes 16 is a filler member or strip 18 which should be light in weight, extremely flexible, highly elastic and readily washable. I have found that the plastic, polyurethane, possesses all of the described properties and is, therefore, ideally suited for the material of the filler members 18. It will thus be appreciated that the bands 12 and 14 comprise flexible and elastic members which may be formed into virtually any desired configuration (see FIG. 4, for example) The bands 12 and 14 are joined together, as by stitching or the like, over'the end portions 20 and 22 thereof. As seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the end portions 20 and 22 taper inwardly, both in width and thickness. The apparatus 10 thus comprises a substantially symmetrical device in which the bands 12 and 14 are coextensive over the end portions 20 and 22 thereof, and the medial portions of the bands are wider than said end portions. It is most important to note, however, that the lower band '14 is slightly longer than the upper band 12 so that the medial portion of said lower band bulges slightly away from the upper band as indicated in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The reason for the disparity in length of the bands 12 and 14 will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Secured to one surface of the end portion 22 is a plu rality of transverse fastening strips 24 which may comprise the material commonly known as Velcro, said material being provided with a multiplicity of bristle-like gripping elements. A plurality of cooperating transverse strips 26 is secured to the opposite surface of the end portion 20. The strips 26 may be made of felt, wool, or the like, and are adapted to cooperate with the fastening strips 24 to provide extremely strong but releasable fastening means in a manner well known to those versed in the art. It will be noted that the strips 24 and 26 are connected respectively to the end portions 20 and 22 in separate, spaced parallel strips so that the same do not interfere in any way with the complete flexibility of these end portions 20 and 22 of bands 12 and 14.

Completing the apparatus 10 may be eyelets or grommets such as 28 mounted adjacent the outer extremity of'each of the end portions 26 and 22. The grommets 28 4- thus atford an aperture at each end of the apparatus for purposes which will be subsequently described.

Operation of the apparatus 10 as a cervical collar may now be described with particular reference being had to FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings. When the indicated corrective procedure requires flexion of the neck (viz., extension of the cervical spine), the apparatus 10 is simply wrapped around the patients neck with the medial portions of the bands 12 and 14 at the back of the neck. The end portions 21? and 22 are then simply overlapped the desired distance to obtain a perfect fit and thereupon pressed together whereby the Velcro strips 24 and cooperating strips 26 securely lock to fasten the collar in operational position, as shown in FIG. 5. It is important to note that the upper band 12 is positioned superiorly of the lower band 14. The slightly longer lower band 14 is thus able to compensate for the larger diameter of the base of the neck so that the apparatus provides a perfectly fitting collar which gives gentle but efficient support. In this regard, it should likewise be noted that the tapering width and thickness of the end portions 20 and 22 permit the chin of the wearer to comfortably assume the corrective flexed position. To remove the collar when desired, it is, of course, merely necessary to open the same by disengaging the strips 24 and 26 from each other. It should, of course, be appreciated that, if desired, more common forms of fastening means may be substituted for the preferred means described hereinabove.

When the corrective procedure requires extension of the neck (viz., fiexion of the cervical spine), the apparatus 10 is applied and worn as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, it will be seen that the medial portions of the bands 12 and 14 are under the chin whereas the end portions 20 and 22 are positioned at the back or nape of the neck. Once again, the upper band 12 is positioned superiorly to permit a perfect fit, wherein a gentle but firm pressure is applied to extend the neck. The donning and removing procedure is, of course, the same as described above.

The dual function of the apparatus 10 as a traction halter may now be appreciated by referring particularly to FIG. 7 of the drawings; The bands 12 and 14 are separated and slipped over the head of the patient. It is important to note that the shorter upper band '12 is once again positioned superiorly, this time at the nape 'of the neck, or occipital region of the head. The longer lower band 14 is positioned under the chin. A suitable traction crossbar such as B is then hooked through the grommets 23 and a cable C having the necessary weights, etc. at the opposite end thereof is connected to said crossbar. It will, of course, be appreciated that the lower band 14 compensates for the longer distance from the top of the head to the chin so that the apparatus 10 once again provides a comfortable, perfectly fitting and efficient head halter for traction purposes.

From the foregoing description and drawings, it should be apparent that I have provided a novel corrective orthopedic apparatus which is capable of functioning with equal efliciency both as a cervical collar and as a head halter for traction purposes. As a cervical collar, the apparatus can be used for either type of corrective .procedure, viz., flexion or extension, by simply reversing the operational positioning thereof. The apparatus is extremely light weight, completely washable for hygienic purposes, and may be readily donned or removed in a matter of seconds. Moreover, by merely varying the density of the polyurethane from which the tiller strips 18 are made, the degree of support or firmness may be varied from collar to-collar. In addition, the apparatus may be inexpensively mass produced in two or three standardized sizes (e.g., men, women and children) and nonetheless afford a comfortable, perfect fitting and efficient device for all wearers thereof.

It is believed that my invention, its mode of construction and assembly, and many of its advantages should be readily understood from the foregoing without further description, and it should also be manifest that while a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described for illustrative purposes, the structural details are nevertheless capable of wide variation within the purview of my invention as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. Combination cervical collar and traction apparatus comprising an elongated flexible body, fastening means on said body for operationally positioning said body about the neck of a wearer to aiford a neck-encircling collar, said body being formed with a longitudinal slit therein to provide two laterally separable medial portions, said portions being juxtapositioned when used as said collar, said portions when separated being operationally positioned one under the chin and the other under the head adjacent the rear of the neck of a wearer to afford a traction head halter and coupling means associated with said body for accommodating auxiliary traction apparatus when said body is used as a traction head halter, said coupling means being spaced from the ends of said slit in a direction toward the ends of the body.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes an opening formed in said body adjacent each of the ends thereof, said openings adapted to accommodate auxiliary traction apparatus therethrough when said body is operationally positioned as a head halter.

3. Combination cervical collar and traction apparatus comprising a pair of elongated textile material tubes, a polyurethane filler member fitted within each of said tubes, said tubes and filler members affording a pair of readily washable and cleanable bands, stitching means connecting said bands together at the end portions thereof whereby said bands are coextensive over said end portions, said end portions tapering symmetrically in width and thickness, medial portions of said bands being disconnected and one of said bands being longer than the other over said medial portions, an annular grommet mounted in each of said end portions, and fastening means on each of said end portions and cooperating to adjustably and releasably connect said end portions together.

4. The apparatus of claim '3 in which said fastening means comprises a plurality of separate first strips secured transversely to one surface of one of said end portions, each of said first strips including a plurality of barb-like connectors, and a plurality of separate second strips affording a plurality of loops secured transversely to the opposite surface of the opposite end portion, said first and second strips cooperating on contact to produce a secure but releasable connection between said end portions.

5. A cervical device for encirclement of a human neck comprising an elongated body having end portions that overlap when said body snugly encircles the neck, said body being divided into two laterally ofiset portions for most of the body length and merging together to form the two body end portions, one of said two laterally offset portions being longer than the remaining laterally offset portionyeach body portion having an external layer of flexible material and interior material, said flexible material having at least some stretchability in any direction, said interior material of the body portion being compressible, flexible and yieldable, said body portions tapering in width from a maximum at the median portions to a minimum at the end portions and means on the end portions providing for ready attachment and detachment of the overlapped ends at desired extent of overlap, said device being usable with the median portions at the front or rear of the neck and difference in length in the two body portions providing added adaptability for the geometry of the neck, the maximum and minimum widths being suitable :for neck lengths and the thickness of the body portions being sufficient for obtaining desired neck effects, the mechanical properties of the outer and inner body materials cooperating to provide a flexible, ready adaptable but firm support, said body port-ions being free of any means for maintaining a predetermined separation therebetween.

6. The device according to claim 5 wherein said body portion has the outer layer thereof of textile material formed as a sheath and wherein there is disposed within said sheath the tiller of inert plastic material, said entire device being readily washable.

7. The device according to claim -6 wherein said body material has the outer sheath of stockinette and wherein said iiller is a compressible, yieldable, porous plastic.

8. A cervical device selectively adaptable tor encirclement of a human neck or for use in traction, said device comprising an elongated body having end portions that overlap when said body snugly encircles-the neck, said two body end portions, one of said two laterally offset pormost of the body length and merging together to form the body end portions, one of said two lateral-1y offset portions being longer than the remaining laterally offset portion, said two body portions being similar except for length, each body portion having an external layer of flexible material and interior material, said flexible material having at least some stretchability in any direction, said interior material being compressible, flexible and yieldable, said body portions tapering in width from a maximum at the median portions to a minimum at the end portions, means on the end portions providing for ready attachment and detachment of the overlapped ends when encircling the neck at desired extent of overlap, a'

grommet at each end of the end portion.

9. The construction according to claim 8 'wherein the body portions having outer material of textile material to provide "a sheath and wherein the interior of the sheath has the filling of inert, flexible plastic material, said entire device being readily washable.

10. The construction according to claim 9 wherein said outer material of the body portion is stockinette and the plastic filler is polyurethane.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,189,145 2/40 Lee 128-75 2,649,85 6 8 5 3 Schmerl 128- 2,740,399 4/ '5 6 .Tudovich 12875 2,813,527 11/57 Cook 12887 2,843,114 7/58 Hall 1Z8-75 3,008,464 1 1 /-6"1 Atldns 18- 24 3,024,784 3 62 Monfardini 12875 3,057,354 .10/62 Roberts et a1 128-289 3,075,521 1/63 Grassl 128-75 FOREIGN PATENTS 289,15 1 4/ 28 Great Britain.

558,472 6/58 Canada.

597,144 5 /60* Canada.

RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner. ROBERT E. MORGAN, Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No., 3,189,026 June 15, 1965 Harry E. Barnett It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected belo* Column 6, line 24, strike out "two body end portions, one said two laterally offset por-" and insert body being divide into two laterally offset portions for line 26, before "bod insert two same column 6, line 40, for "having" read have Signed and sealed this 7th day of December 1965.

(SEAL) Auest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. COMBINATION CERVICAL COLLAR AND TRACTION APPARATUS COMPRISING AN ELONGATED FLEXIBLE BODY, FASTENING MEANS ON SAID BODY FOR OPERATIONALLY POSITIONING SAID BODY ABOUT THE NECK OF A WEARER TO AFFORD A NECK-ENCIRCLING COLLAR, SAID BODY BEING FORMED WITH A LONGITUDINAL SLIT THEREIN TO PROVIDE TWO LATERALLY SEPARABLE MEDIAL PORTIONS, SAID PORTIONS BEING JUXTAPOSITIONED WHEN USED AS SAID COLLAR, SAID PORTIONS WHEN SEPARATED BEING OPERATIONALLY POSITIONED ONE UNDER THE CHIN AND THE OTHER UNDER THE HEAD ADJACENT THE REAR OF THE NECK OF A WEARER TO AFFORD A TRACTION HEAD HALTER AND COUPLING MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID BODY FOR ACCOMMODATING AUXILIARY TRACTION APPARATUS WHEN SAID BODY IS USED AS A TRACTION HEAD HALTER, SAID COUPLING MEANS BEING SPACED FROM THE ENDS OF SAID SLIT IN A DIRECTION TOWARD THE ENDS OF THE BODY. 